Leadership is a State of Consciousness

Emotional Intelligence, or EQ as it is often referred to, is one of the most essential attributes a modern leader must both possess and express if they expect to become truly effective.

Without it a leader does not, in fact they cannot, make the types of human to human connections that are essential to gaining the respect of people to the point where they will choose to follow you. Sure, you may be able to use your authority and your power to get them to do as you say but in that they are not following you, they are abiding you. You are not a leader you are an intimidator; which is in fact the exact opposite and which, unfortunately, never seem to be in short supply.

This is not to say that as a leader there aren't conditions that can arise that will require you to use authority and even power to get things done. Certainly there are situations and even people who require the use of these tools in order to accomplish the goal. It is to say, however, that doing so should be avoided whenever possible and should never be the first option played.

As leaders our first priority is not to show that we know how to lead, manage and control the actions of others. Our first priority is to show others that we know how to lead, manage and control our own actions.

Simply put: Leadership begins as a state of consciousness. People will only willingly follow those whom they respect as people and who they know respect them as people as well.

This means the first step on the path to leadership is an inward one.

And so are all the rest....

This brief article from Psychology Today does an excellent job of defining a piece of what I am talking about. I hope you enjoy it. Three Things Extraordinary Leaders Do

Jeffrey is a leadership and cultural development consultant. He is also the creator of The Bigger Know Principles of Conscious Leadership development program. To speak to him about his "conscious leadership" processes and tools feel free contact him at [email protected]